March 28, 2024

After 45 Years, F/A-18 Continues to Evolve

F/A-18

The Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet celebrated its 45th anniversary earlier this month. The aircraft was born at Naval Air Systems Command and developed to be a strike fighter. The Hornet introduced a level of aircraft superiority that had not been seen before and set the standard for future development of next-generation fighters. Improvements to the fighter jet ensure that it will remain the Navy’s “workhorse.”

Blue Angels Receive First Hornet for Testing

Blue Angels Hornet

The first F/A-18 Super Hornet has been delivered to the Blue Angels demo team for testing and evaluation. The jet, which will undergo testing at NAS Pax River, is the first of 11 jets expected to be delivered this year.

US Assembles Military Might in Pacific

Military Might

The US is amassing its military power in the Pacific region.

Hypoxia Nagging Safety Problem in Some Aircraft

Pilots in F/A-18 Hornet variants and EA-18G Growler aircraft may be vulnerable to hypoxia-like symptoms.

China Can Track F-35 JSF

F-35C JSF formation

China’s “passive” radar detection device may be able to track the F-35 stealthy fighter at distances of up to 400 kilometers.

F-35 Fire ‘Isolated Incident,’ DoD Says

Redesign or part replacement not contemplated in securing airworthiness of F-35s.

Morning Coffee: Sikorsky’s Future Debated

SH-60B Seahawk

The future of Sikorsky, America’s leading helicopter maker, is being evaluated by its parent company.

Boehner to Senate: Pass Defense Budget Bills

The House completed work months ago, but Party quarreling in the Senate continues to hold up passage of the Pentagon spending bill. Senate leaders intend to reconsider the bill next week after returning from a two week hiatus.

Come Meet the F/A-18!

Pax River Naval Air Museum will be hosting a Meet the Airplane with its F/A-18 and a 50/50 raffle. The flight simulators will be open too!